Grant Shapps behind plot against Theresa May

Grant Shapps told The Times that the Conservatives needed a new leader after losing the electionTOBY MELVILLE/REUTERS

A former Conservative Party chairman has admitted to helping lead dozens of rebel MPs in a plot to oust the prime minister.

Grant Shapps was identified by Theresa May loyalists before a febrile weekend in which MPs will be canvassed by the mutinous group and by government whips over whether Mrs May should remain in post. The unrest comes after the prime minister’s disastrous party conference speech, which was intended to reinstate the authority she lost at the election in June.

Mr Shapps told The Times last night: “I think having lost an election the party must look for a new leader to take us forward.”

He later said that up to 30 MPs had declared their hand. “If a colleague feels the same way,…

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